The role of behavior in poultry production: A review of research

Abstract

Historically, behavior has played a subtle but primary role in chicken meat and egg production. Although the implications of behavior to husbandry practices have become more visible in recent years, resarch has lagged behind the technological changes which have occurred in poultry production. Additional information is needed regarding the relationships between behavior and husbandry, as well as the interface of these with other disciplines, in determining production practices. This paper addresses these topics in the context of group structure, sexual behavior, dietary habits and general adaptation.